BiblicalMastery Buddy's bible blog

Lesson 52

Where Are We Headed?

Luke 18:31-43

The unexpected can hit us at any time. This past Sunday We had our family over so my mother could see her new great grandson. It was a special time for us to see her hold the new baby. Little did we know at that time that less than twenty four hours later she would have a stroke. It really hit hard to have to make decisions that could affect if she had the possibility of recovering and at same time knowing that decision could cause her death. Someone said that it is much easier to decide if it is someone else’s family or friend. It is much more difficult when it hits so close to home. Even now my family is starting to grieve at the possible loss of one we all love so dear.

Not on the same level of course but real just the same is the loss to a church of a loved and respected leader. We have all read accounts of a congregation be shocked to hear the pastor announce from the pulpit that he is leaving to take another position at another church. The church then goes through the turmoil of dealing with their loss. There are immediate questions that arise about the future of the church. Sadly, like death few churches prepare for the inevitable that is going to occur. At some point there is going to be a change in leadership through resignations, death or illnesses that no longer allow the leader to serve. As Jesus expressed to His disciples.

Luke 18:31

The previous episode with the ruler and Jesus’ proclamation concerning the rich had left the disciples confused at best. They had determined their future based on the idea that Jesus was going usher in a new kingdom in which they would be the one’s in power with Him. That new status would have certainly brought with it financial security. Jesus could not allow that fallacy to continue so he pulled them away from the crowds and once again told them were lay ahead for Him.

His beginning words may have led them to believe that everything was going according to their plans. He said that He was going up to Jerusalem. From that point they were not on the same page. Jesus said that all the prophesies about Him were about to be fulfilled. The question in the minds of the disciples probably tended to drift to those that spoke of the Davidic kingdom coming. Jesus of course would have been referring to those that dealt with His death and what that it meant for all mankind.

1. Why did Jesus pull the disciples aside from the crowd? (As was seen when Jesus fed the five thousand men they were getting caught in the ground swell to make Him king. See John 6:14-15)

2. Why would the disciples have been confused about the teachings of Jesus? (He seemed to be undercutting their plans to be a part of His coming kingdom on earth.)

3. What had they hoped their position might be in that kingdom?

4. What might have been their thoughts when Jesus spoke about going up to Jerusalem?

5. What prophesies could they envision Him fulfilling?

6. To which of the prophesies what Jesus referring?

7. What would you have thougtht if you had these words of Jesus?

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Luke 18:32-33a

Jesus began to make clear to them that the journey would not end well for Him. The prophesies of which He had spoken were like those found in Psalm 22, Isaiah 53 and Zacariah 11:12-13; 12:10. His words indicated that even though the Jews were his greatest enemies it would be the Roman authorities that would actually carry out the execution. Psalm 22 speaks of the type of death Jesus would experience hundreds of years before the Romans instituted the practice. The Jews were not allowed to put anyone to death legally except for blasphemy. All of the things Jesus then mentioned was part of what the Romans did to carry out there brand of justice. The guilty one was humiliated and worn down by mocking, beating, being spit on, scourged. To add to all that he was then required to carry the cross beam of the cross out to the spot where he would then be nailed to the cross.

1. How different were the prophesies to which Jesus alluded were different than those in the minds of the disciples?

2. What kind of picture did the Scriptures about paint about the near future of Jesus?

3. How do we know the crucifixion of Jesus was according to prophecy? (Psalm 22 is a clear picture of what happened to the one facing that sentence of death.)

4. How do you handle those things that you consider humiliating to either you or those you know?

Luke 18:33b

After sharing the devastating news of the horror death He was about to face He then gave them what should have been encouraging words. Death on the cross was not final. Jesus then told them that on the third day He would be resurrected.

1. What may have happened if Jesus had completed his words with those of hope?

2. What did it mean for Him to be resurrected?

3. If in deed the resurrection was also a fulfilment of prophecy to what Scripture references can we turn? (Psalm 16, Isaiah 9:6-7, 61:2b which deals with the return of Jesus to rule.)

4. In what way is these words important to you?

Luke 18:34

Luke wrote about the reaction of the disciples. He said that:

• They did not understand any of the words of prophecy.

• The meaning of this statement was hidden from them.

• They did not comprehend the things that were said.

Sometimes there are statements made that are too extraordinary to understand. The disciples had followed Jesus because they believed Him to be the Messiah. He was now undermining the what they had believed Him to be. As they had said they had given up everything for Him They wanted to know what discipleship meant for them. His response was totally unexpected. They did not hear that it would end in hope of a new covenant of grace for all who would believe.

1. Why did the disciples not get what Jesus was saying? (It did not fit in with their plans.)

2. Why do we sometimes not believe words of truth? (They are so incredible that they are hard to accept.

3. Why do we have to hear somethings over and over before we believe them?

4. Why are we not receptive to the truths found in the Scriptures?

Luke 18:35

After speaking the words Jesus continued on His journey towards Jerusalem. Although not said the disciples continued to follow Him along with a large group of people. He approached the city of Jericho which had played a significant role in the Old Testament in the book of Joshua. See Joshua 6 B and 1 Kings 16:34. Since it was only about fifteen miles from the city it had become somewhat of a resort and bedroom community for those who worked in Jerusalem. According to John Phillips, Many of the priests and publican lived there.

The road leading into a popular town would be an ideal spot for beggars. There by the roadside sat a blind beggar. Although Luke does not name the man, Mark indicated that his name was Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46) which meant the son of Timaeus.

1. What are we told about Jericho in the Old Testament?

2. Why was it important in the history of Israel? (First major victory in Canaan.)

3. Why did Joshua put a curse on the city? (Because it represented all that was evil.)

4. Why did Jesus travel that way to Jerusalem? (It was on the main road to Jerusalem.)

5. What other reason can be given? (He was to meet a man named Bartimaeus who needed His help.)

6. In what ways are you on the lookout in your dailey travel for opportunities to minister to others?

Luke 18:36-38

The noise of the crowd would have of course peaked the blind man’s interest. He may at first had thought of it as a real opportunity to receive many alms that day. When that did not happen he began to ask what was going on. The people informed him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing right by where he was. His objective then became to attract the attention of Jesus with hopes of being healed. He began to cry out not for healing but for God’s mercy to be poured out on him. It is interesting to note that he called Jesus the Messiah who was to come from the descendents of David. How he knew that information is not told but there are two possibilities. The first that he had heard about Jesus from many who had witnessed first hand the many works He had done. Secondly, It might have been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that the hope for his salvation was right before him.

1. How would you have reacted if you had been in the place of Bartimaeus?

2. What could been his first reaction? (It was an opportunity to receive a great deal of money.)

3. When that did not happen what did he want to know?

4. How did he equate the name Jesus of Nazareth with Jesus, the Son of David?

5. What was he truly seeking? (Mercy)

6. When have there times when you were so desparate that the only cry of your heart was for God’s mercy?

Luke 18:39

It is possible that those who had hindered the children from coming to Jesus were sternly warning Bartimaeus not to bother Jesus. Since Luke said it was those who were leading the crowd he may have been referring to the disciples. It is amazing how there are those who take it upon themselves to determine what others should do. It is hard to say whether they wanted to protect Him or just did not

want the march toward Jerusalem be delayed. It certainly showed and insensitivity to the hurts and needs of the Bartimaeus’ of the world.

Bartimaeus would not be detered but cried out even more strongly. He knew that this was one and only chance to get to Jesus. The words were the same but probably with more of desparation knowing that Jesus could just ignore him and continue down the road. Like all men he wanted to receive the mercy that can only be received from God.

1. What would indicate that the ones who warned Bartimaeus may have been the disciples?

2. What did they try to keep him away from Jesus?

3. What instances can you name when some has tried to decide for you what you should or should not be doing?

4. What obstacles have people put in your way to keep you from coming to Jesus?

5. What does it show about their character?

6. Why did Bartimaeus continue to cry out?

7. What was his greatest fear?

Luke 18:40-41

Jesus was on the way to face the inevitable consequences of His criticism of the religious leaders with His disciples who still did not understand His determination. In the other gospels they were still dealing with the whole concept of who was going to be the most important leader. In the midst of all of that He stopped. It is hard to imagine with so much on His mind that He would stop. One might not even blame Him for continuing on but He stopped. For all of us life situations keep hitting us in the face with no time allowed to comprehend what lies behind much less what is in front of us. Jesus stopped out of concern for one insignificant blind beggar sitting beside the road.

After stopping, Jesus commanded those who had been so fervent in their efforts to keep the beggar quiet to bring Bartimaeus to Him. As the man came close he was asked the reason he wanted to see Him. It may have appear that it would be obvious what he needed but Jesus wanted to hear if the man the faith to be healed. The man exlaimed, “Lord I want to receive my sight!” His one desire was to be able to see again.

1. Why did the man continue to cry out to Jesus?

2. What are the things about which you are passionate?

3. In what ways is your passion directed toward the things of God?

4. From the verses what gives you the confidence that Jesus has time for you?

5. In what ways can you be barrier to someone coming to Christ?

6. Why did Jesus stop?

7. How is His act of stopping an example for us?

Luke 18:42-43a

Jesus granted his request. More importantly He said that it was the faith of the man that had brought about his healing. Because he was not satisfied with the life of a blind beggar he jumped to his feet at the mention of the One who could provide spiritual and physical sight. His faith brought him to Jesus and as He does with every man He honors that faith which cries to Him. Luke wrote that the man immediately receive his sight.

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Mark paints a power picture that the other gospels leave out. After the healing Jesus told Bartimaeus to Go. To him that could mean only one thing. The place he wanted to be was with Jesus, so he followed Him on the road to Jerusalem and with each step he glorified God.

1. What would being healed mean to Bartimaeus? (He would no longer be a blind beggar.)

2. How did he respond to the call of Jesus?

3. Why did Jesus say that it was faith that brought healing to man?

4. How did faith play out in the mans’s life?

5. How have you responded to the call of Jesus on your life?

6. What difference has it made in you?

7. Who best represents who you are the nine lepers who continued on their to see the priest or the one Samaritan and Bartimaeus?

Luke 18:43b

The whole crowd even those who had discouraged Bartimaeus began to praise God right along with Him. Although not mentioned this probably only reinforced the idea of Jesus being the long awaited Messiah.

1. What changed the attitude of the crowd? (The healing a the praise issuing from the lips of Bartimaeus.)

2. What was the reason they began to praise God? (The healing was evidence to them that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah.)

3. What are some of the reasons you find yourself praising God?

• As you approach the time of the events of crucifixion and resurrection read again the accounts in all four gospels to focus on what Christ has done for you.

• When people put obstacles in your path do not listen to them or allow them to turn you from Christ.

• Know that your spiritual healing comes by faith alone. When you believe Jesus gives you the grace of salvation.

• Never stop following Jesus.

Unlike the disciples we in the church are to understand what Jesus went through to provide salvation for each of us. He cares enough that He would stop the march of history to provide for our deepest needs. If He will do that for us we need to be sure that we do not erect any obstacles that might keep someone from knowing Him. There are all kinds of barriers to be eliminated. One might be our attitudes towards guests and whether we accept them into the fellowship. Another would be to make sure that the teaching and preaching is true to Scripture. Most of all Jesus wants us to be like Him as we walk through our daily activities. Is there a person who needs a kind word, a smile, or having a hand extended to them in His name. We should receive with open arms the blind and hurting of the world. Who knows that when you least expect it a person will begin to follow Jesus because there was nothing we have done which cause him to walk away.

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